wealthy

adjective

ˈwel-thē How to pronounce wealthy (audio)
 also  ˈwelt-thē
wealthier; wealthiest
1
: having wealth : very affluent
2
: characterized by abundance : ample
wealthily adverb
wealthiness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for wealthy

rich, wealthy, affluent, opulent mean having goods, property, and money in abundance.

rich implies having more than enough to gratify normal needs or desires.

became rich through shrewd investing

wealthy stresses the possession of property and intrinsically valuable things.

wealthy landowners

affluent suggests prosperity and an increasing wealth.

an affluent society

opulent suggests lavish expenditure and display of great wealth, more often applying to things than people.

an opulent mansion

Examples of wealthy in a Sentence

He is a wealthy entrepreneur. the wealthiest nations in the world
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Whaling was also one of the few industries where Black Americans, both free and formerly enslaved, could make money and become wealthy. Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025 Other wealthy influencers have taken up residence not far from the White House, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who purchased in the Woodland Normanstone neighborhood, Politico reported. Carol Ross Joynt, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2025 In Japan, Timeshares Are Back: A new model of ownership is allowing middle-class families and wealthy vacationers alike to buy a piece of alluring properties. Julie Lasky, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025 This season is set at The White Lotus resort in Thailand, where a wealthy businessman, Timothy Ratliff (Jason Isaacs), is visiting with his wife, Victoria (Parker Posey) and their grown children Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger), Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook) and Lochlan (Sam Nivola). Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wealthy

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wealthy was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wealthy. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

wealthy

adjective
wealthier; wealthiest
1
: having wealth : rich
2
: marked by plenty : abundant
wealthiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on wealthy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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